British and World Historical Medals

The medals and awards won by John McGough:

Olympic Games, London, 1908, a white metal Participant's Medal by B. Mackennal for Vaughton, Victory standing holding laurel spray and trumpet, rev.  two victorious athletes in quadriga, un-named, 51mm (BHM 3963; E 1904);
Amateur Athletic Association Championships, silver award medals (2), 1904, Rochdale, One Mile, Second Prize; 1905, Stamford Bridge, Second Prize, One Mile, 39mm;
West of Scotland Harriers, 1905, a copper medal, greyhound jumping fence, "In Commemoration of 1000 Yards Scotch Record 2mins 18 1/5 secs 12 June 1905 1 1/2 Miles Scotch Record  6 mins 52 3/5 secs 31 July 1905", 45mm [4].
First three nearly very fine, last very fine and a rare associated group £900-1,200

John McGough (1876-1967), the Irish-born Scottish athlete, was the leading Scottish middle distance runner in the early years of the 20th century, at one time holding every Scottish record from 1,000 yards to 4 miles. In the 1906 10th anniversary Olympic Games in Athens he won the silver medal in the 1,500 metres behind James Lightbody (USA). In the 1908 London Olympic Games he ran in the 1,500 metres semi-finals, was placed third in his heat with a time of 4 minutes 16.4 seconds, so did not advance to the final. His career continued with an interest in sports, with Glasgow Athletic Association and as a masseur to both Celtic and Manchester City football clubs, though his main occupation was as a postman